FEMA says Genesee County flooding doesn't merit federal help

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Residents who suffered losses in last month's flooding apparently won't have help from the federal government in getting back on their feet.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has told Gov. Rick Snyder that a request for major disaster assistance has been denied, according to a letter from FEMA administrator W. Craig Fugate.

View full sizeFederal, state and local officials are shown touring areas hit hardest by May flooding in this Flint Journal file photo.

"Based on our review of all the information available it has been determined that the damage to dwellings from this event was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state, affected local governments and voluntary agencies," Fugate's letter to Snyder says.

County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jamie Curtis today asked Sheriff Robert Pickell to prepare an appeal of the decision.

Pickell told commissioners of the FEMA decision during a meeting this morning and said he was disappointed by it.

"I was very optimistic (about the chances for the federal disaster designation)," Pickell said. "People are just devastated by this."

FEMA field workers visited the county to survey damage last month after more than 5 inches of rain fell on May 4 and 5, causing widespread flooding that damaged at least 1,700 homes and businesses, county emergency management officials have said.